May 13th, 25: Wrestling with Contradictions: David’s Census and the Merciful God

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One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you.

TODAY'S EPISODE:

Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible! In today’s episode, host Hunter takes us through a pivotal moment in the scriptures—from David’s controversial census in 2 Samuel 24 and 1 Chronicles 21 to a heartfelt Psalm of thanksgiving, and Paul’s encouraging message in 1 Thessalonians 2. As we navigate the sometimes tricky waters of biblical contradictions and the stories that shape our faith, Hunter reminds us that the Bible’s deeper purpose isn’t just to serve as a reference book, but to invite us into relationship with the God of love and mercy. Together, we’ll explore how these ancient accounts challenge, inform, and ultimately root us more deeply in God’s goodness. Plus, we’ll close with a time of prayer, drawing strength for the day ahead and remembering the life-changing truth: you are dearly loved by God. Let’s dive in and continue our journey through the Bible, one day at a time.

TODAY'S DEVOTION:

The Bible is not a divine reference book. In today's reading from 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles, we encounter a moment that many readers might find troubling: two different accounts of the same story, each assigning the cause for David's census in a different way. In one, it is the Lord who incites David to take the census; in the other, it is Satan. This is a clear contradiction, and it might prompt us to question the authority or reliability of the Bible. But instead of fearing these inconsistencies or trying to explain them away, we are invited to read the Bible on its own terms.

The authority of Scripture does not come from its factual consistency or its ability to function as some sort of flawless encyclopedia. Instead, the power and authority of the Bible flow from its ability to point us to the living God, who is love. Both versions of this story ultimately direct us toward the character of God—a God who is merciful in the end, whose purposes are rooted in love and relationship rather than in legalistic precision.

We aren't called to follow a chain of perfectly linked facts; we are called into a story, a history, and a relationship. God’s people, throughout the ages, have recognized the Bible’s authority because its words and its stories reveal who God is and invite us to share in his life. Even when confronted with differences, the unified message is this: Christ is our authority, and through the Scriptures, we are drawn deeper into his story of love.

So do not be afraid when you find the Bible’s rough edges. These don't disqualify its witness—they deepen the story and invite us to wrestle honestly with God and with each other. Let yourself be drawn into the larger point: that God is the source of life, that he is merciful, and that he longs for us to be shaped by his love. May we allow the Holy Spirit each day to mold us, to grow us, to help us become more like Jesus.

That’s my prayer for my own soul. That’s my prayer for my family—for my wife, my daughters, my son. And that's my prayer for you. May it be so.

TODAY'S PRAYERS:

Gracious and everlasting God, you have brought us through the shadow of night into the promise of a new day. You go before us with your mercy, sustain us by your grace, and keep us from wandering paths of fear or pride.

Let every word we speak and every step we take be formed by the goodness of Christ. Oh, Lord, gather your people far and near. May every tribe and tongue come to know your peace. Let justice roll like a river and healing flow where there has been division. Pour out your spirit upon all flesh, and bring us closer to the day when your kingdom comes in fullness through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

And now as our Lord has taught us, we are bold to pray:

Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever and ever.
Amen.

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